VG247 » Naren Hoosonhttp://www.vg247.com
VG247.comSat, 01 Aug 2015 21:19:19 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2Kinect for Windows will be available in 2014http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/kinect-for-windows-will-be-available-in-2014/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/kinect-for-windows-will-be-available-in-2014/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 06:57:53 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370448Another versions of Microsoft’s Kinect is in development for Windows and has been announced to release next year.

Using the same technological foundation as the Xbox One Kinect, the Windows version is said to focus more on touch free applications for computing and business. The Kinect for Windows blog outlined some of the features of the new Kinect sensor, including a color camera, a noise-reducing microphone, improved skeletal tracking and an infrared sensor that works in nearly any lighting conditions.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/kinect-for-windows-will-be-available-in-2014/feed/1Want your name and profile in Watch Dogs?http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/want-your-name-and-profile-in-watch-dogs/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/want-your-name-and-profile-in-watch-dogs/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 06:38:23 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370442Ubisoft is offering fans a chance to have their profile featured as a pedestrian in its upcoming Watch Dogs game.

To participate both Facebook and Uplay accounts are required and then it is simply a matter of providing your name, birthdate, occupation and three facts about yourself.

Ubisoft will then chose 30 participants from around the world at random. The game drops on November 19, 2013 for PC, Wii U, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions also on their way.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/want-your-name-and-profile-in-watch-dogs/feed/2Unity will be available on open-source platform Tizenhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/unity-will-be-available-on-open-source-platform-tizen/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/unity-will-be-available-on-open-source-platform-tizen/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 06:16:21 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370433Unity Technologies have announces that its multi-platform engine will be available for the Linux-based Tizen OS which launches on devices later in the year.

David Helgason, CEO of Unity Technologies, believes the two products are heading in the same direction, saying, “Unity and Tizen have a lot in common in that they both aim to make the creation and the deployment of games and other apps as easy as possible for developers.”

It’s anticipated that the open-source Tizen OS will “provide another excellent avenue” for many mobile developers.

Unity tools tailored to Tizen are currently in development and expected to launch not long after Tizen devices are available, with some Unity created games expected at launch of the OS. Developers will be able to publish games in the Tizen store in late 2013.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/unity-will-be-available-on-open-source-platform-tizen/feed/0XSEED announce E3 games lineuphttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/xseed-announce-e3-games-lineup/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/xseed-announce-e3-games-lineup/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 05:37:30 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370423XSEED Games has announced its lineup for E3 next month. Grasshopper Manufacture’s Killer is Dead and GungHo Online’s Ragnarok Odyssey Ace are included in the publishers list.

Ragnarok Odyssey Ace was just announced for release in Europe and the US.

Killer is Dead (PS3, 360 / Summer 2013) – Created by Goichi “Suda 51″ Suda, this highly anticipated original game is set in a not-so-distant alternate future similar to the world we know now. Players control an executioner named Mondo Zappa who wields a Japanese sword in his right hand while utilizing interchangeable weapons in his left artificial arm. His ultimate goal is to execute various heinous criminals scattered around the world and beyond. Completely unique visuals and outstanding stylish action come together to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience in Killer is Dead. The action title is being jointly developed by Kadokawa Games and Grasshopper Manufacture, with Suda 51 lending his trademark sense of style at the helm.

Ragnarok Odyssey Ace (PS3, PSV / Winter) – This new title in the popular Ragnarok Odyssey action RPG franchise brings players cross-platform play between PS3 and Vita as well as rich new content to explore. Developed by Game Arts, Ragnarok Odyssey Ace brings a new Tower of Yggdrasil dungeon that creates random dungeons with different rooms and enemy placement, a new battle system, and a plethora of new items and features. [Note: GungHo Online Entertainment America will publish the game in Europe]

Rune Factory 4 (3DS / Summer 2013) – The first game in the Rune Factory simulation/role-playing series to be released on the Nintendo 3DS, Rune Factory 4 adds new romance options, the ability to select a male or female character at the game’s start, and endless crafting, farming and cooking opportunities. As Selphia’s prince or princess, players manage the village, explore the countryside with townsfolk, or tame monsters in the wild to become helpers in battle or in the fields.

Valhalla Knights 3 (PSV / Fall 2013) – The fourth title published by XSEED Games in the popular Valhalla Knights action RPG series, Valhalla Knights 3 features a robust character creation system and brings multiplayer party-based combat to the PS Vita, with a Wi-Fi online option being added to the local ad-hoc option specifically for the North American version. Players can select from one of seven races and one of twenty job classes such as Fighter, Mage, Thief, Priest, Akatoki, or Archer, while also equipping two sub-jobs. Adventure with a custom party or brave the wilds alone while seamlessly engaging in real-time combat and earning skill points for upgrading and unlocking abilities unique to each job class.

Ys: Memories of Celceta (PSV / Fall 2013) – An extensive reimagining of Ys IV, one of the only Ys games never before released in the West, this title puts more enemies on screen than ever before. Ys: Memories of Celceta features the largest, most non-linear overworld in Ys history, boasting superlative graphics and a triumphant evolution of the fast-paced gameplay that has made this series a timeless action RPG mainstay.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/xseed-announce-e3-games-lineup/feed/2Arguments begin for 38 Studios collapsehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/arguments-begin-for-38-studios-collapse/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/arguments-begin-for-38-studios-collapse/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 05:23:57 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370415A year after the closure of 38 Studios, A Rhode Island Superior Court judge has begun hearing arguments over a motion to have the case dismissed by the defendants.

Game Industry reports that an attorney for the defendents, including 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling, called the accusations specious.

A lawyer for the The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, which is suing 14 people and entities involved in the case, countered saying that the firm has an “avalanche” of evidence pointing to wrongdoing.

From Schilling to former RIEDC employees, banks and lawfirms, they are accused of fraud, negligence, conspiracy, larceny and more in relation to $75 million in loan guarantees given to the studio for relocating from Massachusetts. They are all said to have known or should have known that 38 Studios was not financially viable, even with the loan money.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/arguments-begin-for-38-studios-collapse/feed/0Ragnarok Odyssey Ace heading to Europe and North Americahttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/ragnarok-odyssey-ace-heading-to-europe-and-north-america/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/ragnarok-odyssey-ace-heading-to-europe-and-north-america/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 05:00:21 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370407GungHo Online Entertainment announced that it will be publishing Ragnarok Oddyssey Ace in Europe for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. The game will be out this winter in Europe and in the US, published by Xseed.

The game is an ultimate version of the previously released Ragnarok Odyssey. It will offer new content as well as a skill system that allows better gameplay customisation, more weapon upgrade paramaters and aesthetic upgrades and a new area that creates random dungeons of endless variation for players to battle through.

It will also feature cross-platform play between PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita with an online connection.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/ragnarok-odyssey-ace-heading-to-europe-and-north-america/feed/1Disney Infinity Monsters University play set trailerhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/disney-infinity-monsters-university-play-set-trailer/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/disney-infinity-monsters-university-play-set-trailer/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 04:29:37 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370401Disney has released the trailer for the Monsters University play set that will be available in the Disney Infinity starter pack along with the Pirates of the Caribbean and The Incredibles play sets.

The trailer, courtesy of Polygon, shows off the Monsters University play set, a self-contained world based on the upcoming movie that involves its own gameplay. Mike, Sulley and Randy are seen in their college days, including the exchange of pranks with rival shool Fear Tech. It also shows some of the use of the Toy Box and how the monsters can interact within it.

Characters from a play set cannot enter other play set worlds but can be used in the Toy Box mode, a free play mode that can be customized with unlocked items by players and explored with any character.

The game has similarities to Skylanders with collectible characters that are synthesized into the game. Characters will be from Disney and Pixar movies and series.

Disney Infinity will be out on major platforms in August. Check out the trailer below and the one for the Pirates of the Caribbean play set here.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/disney-infinity-monsters-university-play-set-trailer/feed/0How the new “whales” are spending in gameshttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/how-the-new-whales-are-spending-in-games/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/how-the-new-whales-are-spending-in-games/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 02:58:25 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=37039433% of total in game spending for mobile and web games is done by the top 1% of new players with 90% of total in game spending done by the top 20% of new players, according to a recent report on spending behaviour.

Social game analysis firm Playnomics examined the spending behaviour of over 1.7 million new web and mobile games players, that is people who started playing social games within the first two weeks of the first quarter of 2013. It found that around 14,000 players chose to pay for in-app purchases in games, roughly 0.77 percent. Courtesy of Gamasutra.

The data shows that the spending of the top 1% ranges from around $700 to $7,400 for a single person, with the average at around $1,400. Playnomics say the results resemble “a power law distribution, where a small proportion of whales account for a large portion of total in game spend.”

“Some of the players in our initial cohort of 1.7 million will likely monetize for the first time after Q1 2013, and some of our existing monetizers will likely keep spending beyond Q1 2013,” they add.

The report also found that the average session length was 26.7 minutes per player and players completed 5.9 game sessions on average. Players in Turkey have the highest level of engagement at an average of 45.9 minutes per play session while players in Japan showed the highest number of player sessions at 22.5 per person.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/how-the-new-whales-are-spending-in-games/feed/3Microsoft is commited to Japanhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsoft-is-commited-to-japan/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsoft-is-commited-to-japan/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 02:34:27 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370386Despite low lifetime Xbox 360 sales in Japan and the regions loyalty to Nintendo and PlayStation, Xbox One will be launched in Japan.

Courtesy of MCV, Microsoft’s Don Mattrick told a roundtable, “We’re committed to Japan, we continue to build on our partnerships, we continue to build on our offerings for consumers inside of that space.”

“We think it’s an important market. And we’ll continue building on the working investment that we’ve done over all these years.” Mattrick added.

Details of the launch were not discussed but Mattick assured that news for each region will be revealed once key partners have been determined and market strategy built.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsoft-is-commited-to-japan/feed/14Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD heading to iOShttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-hd-heading-to-ios/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-hd-heading-to-ios/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 02:00:42 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370380CapCom’s first three Phoenix Wright games have been remastered and are heading to iOS on May 30.

Announced on the Capcom site, the trilogy has been optimised for iOS, enhanced for retina display and now includes social features allowing players to share and connect.

The app will be free to download and lets players experience the original Ace Atttorney game’s first two cases for free. The rest of the first game can be purchased for $5.99, with the following full games costing $6.99 each or $16.99 for the whole collection.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-hd-heading-to-ios/feed/1Microsoft’s Kinect patent suggest they will be always be watchinghttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsofts-kinect-patent-suggest-they-will-be-always-be-watching/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsofts-kinect-patent-suggest-they-will-be-always-be-watching/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 01:22:31 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370374A patent filed by Microsoft for Kinect describes a camera system that monitors the number of viewers in a room. Content providers will be able to set a threshold which if exceeded would trigger a prompt for the device owner to purchase a license for more viewers.

According to Extreme Tech, via Evil Avatar, it’s that straight forward. The abstract states, “The users consuming the content on a display device are monitored so that if the number of user-views licensed is exceeded, remedial action may be taken.”

The patent is said to allow a device to limit the number of performances in a certain time period, limit the number of viewers to performances and to continually monitor viewers, also covering, “when performance of the content to an identified user exceeds a threshold.”

It also describes that the patent could be applied to head-mounted devices, large screens, gaming and media products, computers, and even mobile phones. Therefor suggesting that content providers, or copyright owner, can govern the performances in private settings.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/microsofts-kinect-patent-suggest-they-will-be-always-be-watching/feed/30Project X Zone demo released in Europe, second one to follow next monthhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/project-x-zone-demo-released-in-europe-second-one-to-follow-next-month/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/project-x-zone-demo-released-in-europe-second-one-to-follow-next-month/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 00:57:39 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370368Namco Bandai has released a demo for Project X Zone in Europe today through the Nintendo eShope. Titled Lethal Surprise, it features characters from Sakura Wars, Cyberbots, Space Channel 5 and Valkria Chronicles.

This demo takes place in the Sakura Wars’ Imperial Theater stage, courtesy of Siliconera. A second demo will be released on June 27. It will take place in the Ghosts ‘n Goblins stage and is called Dark Hours.

Project X Zone will release on July 5th in Europe and June 25th in North America and Latin America. There is no word of when North America will see the two demos.

A trailer for the first demo is available to watch below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/project-x-zone-demo-released-in-europe-second-one-to-follow-next-month/feed/2Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate trailer: Ein and Jacky Bryanthttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-trailer-ein-and-jacky-bryant/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-trailer-ein-and-jacky-bryant/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 00:39:51 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370359A trailer for Dead or Alive Ultimate 5 has been released showing the recently announced characters Ein and Jacky Bryant.

It also shows some of the arenas players will fight in as well as a tag-team match. The games is out September 5 in Japan and around the same time for western countries. Courtesy of All Games Beta, who have the trailer which is also available to watch below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-trailer-ein-and-jacky-bryant/feed/0Jagged Aliance: Flashback reaches Kickstarter goal in final hourshttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/jagged-aliance-flashback-reaches-kickstarter-goal-in-final-hours/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/jagged-aliance-flashback-reaches-kickstarter-goal-in-final-hours/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 00:28:21 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370352The turn-based action “reset” from Denmark’s Full Control has passed it’s Kickstarter goal. For a while it wasn’t looking like the campaign would succeed but in the last two days funding picked up and finished $18,614 over the goal at $368,614 with 7,167 backers. Courtesy of Evil Avatar.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/jagged-aliance-flashback-reaches-kickstarter-goal-in-final-hours/feed/2Phil Harrison on Xbox One: core gaming, mass market entertainment and longevityhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phil-harrison-on-xbox-one-core-gaming-mass-market-entertainment-and-longevity/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phil-harrison-on-xbox-one-core-gaming-mass-market-entertainment-and-longevity/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 00:10:59 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=370344In the wake of the Xbox One reveal, many are seeking clarification on the direction the console is heading. Microsoft’s corporate vice president Phil Harrison discusses some of the choices made with the next-gen console

Courtesy of Computer and Videogames, Harrison talks about preowned games, the “always online” issue, balancing core gaming with entertainment and the longevity of the console.

On the issue of preowned games, Harrison suggests it doesn’t change from the current model. “I can come to your house with that disc, I can install it on your machine and we can play it and while I’m with you we can have all of the capabilities of that game. The moment I go home and notionally take that disc with me, you no longer have the ability to play that game. But the ‘bits’ are on your hard drive, so if you want to play that game you can buy it – you can go to the online store, buy it and it’s instantly unlocked and playable on your machine. All of the privileges I just described in my house would now apply in yours as well.”

In terms of the console needing to be “always online”, Harrison clarifies that this impacts only uniquely online game features and doesn’t see this as a big factor. “If your internet connection is interrupted because of a local outage, many, but not all, of the features of the game content you own you will be able to use, but not all because some of them are uniquely online experiences.”Blu-ray movies and other single-player games that don’t require an internet connection to Xbox Live will work. I think it is pretty rare of an outage of local internet connectivity to be more than a few seconds or minutes, so I don’t expect it will ever impact on somebody’s ability to use the system.”

Many feel that Microsoft are moving away from core gaming with this console but Harrison is certain a balance can be found. “Yes it is possible to find a balance but I don’t think it’s possible to do it within the constraints of a one hour presentation. I think what you saw today was very much the platform, vision and direction for all Xbox One entails, which is games, TV being made super intelligent and entertainment all co-existing inside one device with seamless switching between them, which is just amazing to see in action.”

“With Xbox One the ability to quickly move between applications will, we think, increase your curiosity and the amount of things you will play and experience – because it’s seamless, instant and simple,” he states, pointing at the enhanced all-in-one features of the next-gen console.

“The strategy of an all in one entertainment lead device was one of the motivating factors to get me to join this team. Because I really believe in the strategy and I really love the implementation in not just the hardware but the services, and the ambition of where it will go in years. So yeah, I feel really good about it and really proud to be in the team making it happen.”

He also believes the console will have an even longer lifespan than its predecessor. “Architectural decisions, the hardware design, the service design, connectivity to the cloud and the fact that that gives us even more future proofing… I think that will not only extend the generation in terms of time but it potentially significantly expands the reach of this generation in terms of the numbers of people who can feel that Xbox One is for them.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/24/phil-harrison-on-xbox-one-core-gaming-mass-market-entertainment-and-longevity/feed/14Deadpool preorder informationhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/deadpool-preorder-information/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/deadpool-preorder-information/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 07:45:51 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369912Deadpool has today revealed the bonuses that will accompany his game when preordered, featuring Marvel vouchers, posters and wallpaper.

May 22, 2013 – EVERY DAY on social media I hear it. People stop me on the street just to ask it. “Show me the DEADPOOL videogame marketing!” they demand. “Buzzword the crap outta me!” They want info on retail drivers. They’re all about how I’m incentivizing early adoption. And they freakin’ demand insight on how I’m monetizing my user base.

Well, OKAY. I hear you! Allow me to rest and purchase groceries uninterrupted once more as I establish a new paradigm by unveiling these tantalizing pre-order bonuses for DEADPOOL from the following participating retailers:

Best Buy
· A $5 voucher for ANY Marvel comic book. You could get one from the time I was in the Uncanny X-Force, or one from Daniel Way’s sizzling Deadpool run… And well, yes, I suppose you COULD buy a Marvel comic that DIDN’T star yours truly, but why do that to yourself? – U.S. only (while supplies last).
· An exclusive Deadpool poster for everyone who pre-orders the game from my home country (while supplies last). Vive posters! Vive Quebec! – Canada Only

Steam & GameStop PC Download
· The Merc with a Map Pack DLC! Featuring two new levels – GRT Plaza and Inside the Tower – for Deadpool Challenge Mode and Infinite Mode, as well as two new costumes, the D-Pooly and Uncanny X-Force suits (only available in Infinite Mode). You like maps, don’t you?
· Your very own Deadpool digital wallpaper! Look, if you want to be the only one of your friends without a Deadpool digital wallpaper, that’s fine. I don’t know, I think high school’s hard enough already, but it’s your choice – you gotta be you.

Alright…that’s all the news for today. Deadpool’s gonna go pay a stranger now to pre-order HIS bonus if you know wh—ahh forget it.

DEADPOOL will release in North America on June 25, 2013 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC via Steam.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/deadpool-preorder-information/feed/1The Realm developers will go another round on Kickstarterhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/the-realm-developers-will-go-another-round-on-kickstarter/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/the-realm-developers-will-go-another-round-on-kickstarter/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 06:59:16 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369906Point-and-click adventure game, Realm, failed to hit its Kickstarter funding goal today. Not wanting to concede, the creators plan to return to Kickstarter later in the year to try again.

The game’s developers put the failure down to lack of U.S. backing, even though the the campaign was one of the top funded U.K. Kickstarter titles. The Realm reached £94,527 of its £195,000 funding goal, with 3,384 backers. Courtesy of Polygon.

Atomhawk Design and Lantern Interactive, the developers of the game, now plan to return later in the year with a U.S. Kickstarter account in another attempt at funding the game.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/the-realm-developers-will-go-another-round-on-kickstarter/feed/0Company of Heroes 2 cinematic trailer highlights the high price of victoryhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/company-of-heroes-2-cinematic-trailer-highlights-the-high-price-of-victory/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/company-of-heroes-2-cinematic-trailer-highlights-the-high-price-of-victory/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 06:24:56 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369897A cinematic trailer for Relic’s Company of Heroes 2 single -player campaign shows the Russian Front during World War 2 as well as emphasizing the high price one pays for victory under those circumstances.

The trailer starts with a young officer after the war who is being interrogated about a book he wrote which chronicles the experiences on him and his men but also contains the damaging truth of what he saw. He and his men fought and were victorious in the five month Battle of Stalingrad and were able to advanced on the German lines and push them back. This all came at a high cost though, war and death make ordinary soldiers in animals.

The trailer can be viewed below.

Company of Heroes 2 is out on Windows PC on June 25.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/company-of-heroes-2-cinematic-trailer-highlights-the-high-price-of-victory/feed/1Robotics specialist and ex-Valve VR expert join Oculus Rift teamhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/robotics-specialist-and-ex-valve-vr-expert-join-oculus-rift-team/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/robotics-specialist-and-ex-valve-vr-expert-join-oculus-rift-team/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 05:58:53 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369883Two industry veterans have been brought on to the Oculus Rift team to work on its technology. Oculus VR has announced that Steve LaValle, a renowned researcher of robotics, and former Valve VR expert Tom Forsyth have both joined the team.

Courtesy of Gamasutra, Oculus announced the news on its blog, with the following comments:

“Steve’s leading research and development on some of the toughest VR challenges including sensor fusion, magnetic drift correction, and kinematic modeling.”

“Tom’s last two decades found him working at some of the industry’s most innovative companies including Valve, Intel, and RAD Game Tools. Tom just recently left Valve, where he was working on Team Fortress 2 in VR with Joe Ludwig and Michael Abrash.”

Tom Forsyth also had this to say, “The Rift is a great bit of kit and combines a bunch of different technology together in a very clever package. It was amazing working with it on Team Fortress 2 and seeing the extra immersion people felt inside a game they already knew so well. I’m really looking forward to helping other developers work with this tech as we go towards a consumer version.”

Steve LaValle has created a development blog for those wanting to follow his work at Oculus.

Valve let go of 25 employees back in February, two of which were able to take their work with them to form Technical Illusions where they continue building their vision of an Augmented Reality headset.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/robotics-specialist-and-ex-valve-vr-expert-join-oculus-rift-team/feed/0Violent media not a predictor of violent behaviour according to university studyhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/violent-media-not-a-predictor-of-violent-behaviour-according-to-university-study/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/violent-media-not-a-predictor-of-violent-behaviour-according-to-university-study/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 05:30:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369877According to a recent study published from Texas A&M International University, watching violent media as a child is not necessarily a predictor of violent behaviour in the future. The study outlines that genetics and social environment have a larger impact on personal development.

University chair and associate professor of psychology Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson lead the study which suggest genetics is a high contributing factor of criminal behaviour. Genetic variance factored into violent bahaviour for 58% of women and 20% of men according to data collected from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

“We basically find that genetics and some social issues combine to predict later adult arrests,” Dr. Ferguson said. “Despite ongoing concerns about media influences, media exposure does not seem to function as a risk factor for adult criminality.”

“Genetics alone don’t seem to trigger criminal behavior, but in combination with harsh upbringing, you can see negative outcomes,” he wrote. “In our sample, experiencing maternal warmth seemed to reduce the impact of genetics on adult criminality.

“People may object morally to some of the content that exists in the media, but the question is whether the media can predict criminal behavior. The answer seems to be no,” he added.

Behaviour is determined by a combination of factors and not necessarily one factor, according to Ferguson. The environment a child is brought up in among family and peers and socioeconomic status also factor into the possibility of criminal behaviour in the future, according to the study.

Thanks to Polygon for the story. The full study from the Texas A&M International University is available here.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/violent-media-not-a-predictor-of-violent-behaviour-according-to-university-study/feed/1Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate adds Virtua Fighter’s Jacky Bryanthttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 04:53:53 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369871The Ultimate version of Dead or Alive 5, arriving later this year, will include the characters Ein and Jacky Bryant, from the Dead or Alive series and Virtua Fighter respectively, in addition to the previously announced Ninja Gaiden character Momoji.

The characters come together on September 5 in Japan and around the same time for western countries, courtesy of Joystiq. The games will be available both at retail and on digital platforms.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/dead-or-alive-5-ultimate-adds-virtua-fighters-jacky-bryant/feed/1New One Piece game announced for 3DShttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/new-one-piece-game-announced-for-3ds/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/new-one-piece-game-announced-for-3ds/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 04:32:14 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369867Jump magazine has revealed this week that a new One Piece game for 3DS is in development. The game is called One Piece: Unlimited World Red. No other details have been revealed. Game Jouhou, who reported the news, speculate the game is related to Ganbarion’s One Piece: Unlimited series. Courtesy of Gematsu.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/new-one-piece-game-announced-for-3ds/feed/0Square Enix relaunches 10th anniversary teaser sitehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/square-enix-relaunches-10th-anniversary-teaser-site/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/square-enix-relaunches-10th-anniversary-teaser-site/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 04:20:45 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369852Back on April 1 this year, Square Enix celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Squaresoft’s merger with Enix on April 1, 2003 by launching a teaser site which disappeared a day later. The teaser site has been relaunched with a countdown clock stopped at 00:46:49 and a new message.

The message, according to Gematsu, reads, “As of April 1st we’ve reached our 10th anniversary! We hope you’ll continue supporting us going forward as well!”

“Well, last time on this site we said “we are thinking about various things.” Now, we are working on a lovely (and a tad heartwarming) site.”

“As soon as preparations are in order, the counter will start moving. Please wait a little longer. ROCK’N ROLL!”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/square-enix-relaunches-10th-anniversary-teaser-site/feed/2Is Far Cry making a comeback?http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/is-far-cry-making-a-comeback/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/is-far-cry-making-a-comeback/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 03:12:33 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369844With the recent success of Ubisoft’s throwback to the 80’s with the Far Cry 3 DLC Blood Dragon, it looks like they may have decided to do another throwback, this time to the original Far Cry.

A Far Cry HD listing for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 has surfaced on the Brazil’s rating board site. No announcement had been made by Ubisoft, but with the success the franchise is having, it could be on the cards.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/is-far-cry-making-a-comeback/feed/15Free respec offered for Dust 514 playershttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/free-respec-offered-for-dust-514-players/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/free-respec-offered-for-dust-514-players/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 02:56:24 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369838While DUST 514, the console based MMO/FPS set in the Eve Online universe, is continuing to receive changes from CCP to its skill system based on feedback from players, some players are not happy with the effects the changes are having on their chosen skills. To help things run more smoothly CCP is offering players a chance to request one free respec.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/free-respec-offered-for-dust-514-players/feed/0Age of Conan’s 5th anniversary in-game eventhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/age-of-conans-5th-anniversary-in-game-event/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/age-of-conans-5th-anniversary-in-game-event/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 02:33:10 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369832As part of the celebrations for Funcom’s Age of Conan 5 year anniversary, brutal boss monsters will be roaming and rampaging through the world of Hyboria for five days in a row.

Starting Thursday the 23rd of May at 4pm CET / 10am EST, these boss monsters will be attacking settled areas while others roam around and must be tracked down. Everyone, no matter what their power, can join the battle against these monsters. If the monsters are defeated players will be rewarded handsomely.

On top of the in-game battle the celebrations will also see member accounts for Age of Conan: Unchained greatly improved. Experience points can be doubled for one hour each day when killing monsters with the Blessing of Asura item, which all characters on member accounts will now receive.

One Alternative Advancement point is also earned for each level gained to be spent at level 80 for abilities. Furthermore Members will triple the amount of Bonus Points they receive each month to spend in the Item Shop.

There are more gifts players will receive during the celebrations, including Access Passes to Khitai, the great land of the east introduced in the Rise of the Godslayer expansion.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/age-of-conans-5th-anniversary-in-game-event/feed/1DDO update kicks off Shadowfell Conspiracy prequelhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/ddo-update-kicks-off-shadowfell-conspiracy-prequel/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/ddo-update-kicks-off-shadowfell-conspiracy-prequel/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 02:03:22 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369826Update 18 for Dungeons and Dragons Online releases today in preparation for the Shadowfell Conspiracy expansion pack. The update serves as a prequel to the expansion pack set to release on 5 June and adds two new quests, available to all players, known as the Disciples of Shadow.

Courtesy of Ten Ton Hammer, the update introduces new iconic characters, cosmetic armor enchanted with the Glamer spell as well as new skill tomes, classes, combat and items.

DDO servers are currently offline with the downtime is expected to last until at least 11:00AM ET. Check out the full update notes here. To preorder Shadowfell Conspiracy go here.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/ddo-update-kicks-off-shadowfell-conspiracy-prequel/feed/0Major Nelson’s Xbox One Q&A chat transcribehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/major-nelsons-xbox-one-qa-chat-transcribe/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/major-nelsons-xbox-one-qa-chat-transcribe/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 01:22:25 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369798Xbox LIVE programming director Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb answered questions about Xbox One in a live Yahoo! chat today. He shed some light on a few minor details and shrugged others off to be addressed at E3, which he points out is merely 18 days away.

Courtesy of Gematsu, who have have the full transcribe of the Q&A session. When asked questions about the ability to play used games, the price of the console and whether a headset would come bundled with the console, Nelson’s responded that these details would either be revealed at E3 or later in the year. He announced that the focus at E3 will be “Games. Games. GAMES :)” also saying “I think (hardcore gamers) will be happy after E3.”

Avoiding too much detail, he touches on the possibility of using one game for multiple accounts, an issue with a lot of confusion surrounding it. “As I noted earlier we’re still working on some of the policies… but our goal is that it would work like it works today on Xbox 360.”

There is no question that the Xbox One will not be back compatible though. “Xbox One hardware is not compatible with Xbox 360 games. We designed Xbox One to play an entirely new generation of games. Games are architected to take full advantage of the state of the art processors and infinite power of the cloud.”

When questioned why gamers should buy the Xbox One, Nelson points to the caliber of games that will be available and the power of Xbox LIVE. “Today’s gamers want access to great games… the Xbox One will have great games powered by Xbox LIVE. We’ve worked hard to create the ultimate all-in-one console. BTW: We have a LOT more gaming news to share at E3 :)”

On the topic of what separates this console from PlayStation 4, he answered, ‘Well, Xbox LIVE for one. We’re very proud of the service that we’ve built. 48 million people agree with us. That is just one of the things. Now, I have not had a chance to spend time with the console, so we’ll have to wait until their final product launches before I can really comment.”

He adds that Xbox LIVE will allow processing to happen in the cloud and result in richer gaming experiences. This is also attractive for game developers on top of the power of the console and the Kinect and SmartGlass capabilities.

Nelson was happy to talk up the controller, although still not giving away any specific details, with another nod to E3. “The new controller is awesome I have spent a lot of time with it. If you like the Xbox 360 controller, you’ll LOVE this controller. We have made over 40 improvements in the new design. Regarding the Start and Back buttons, they’ll perform similar functions but right now we don’t have final names for them yet. The controller takes 2 AA batteries. More details at E3.”

In response to the “always connected” to the internet concern, he was straight forward in his answer. “No. It does not have to be always connected but it does require an internet connection.”

For those concerned about their 360 achievements and Gamescore, fear not. “Your achievements and Gamerscore will carry over to Xbox One,” was Nelson’s response when questioned about it.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/major-nelsons-xbox-one-qa-chat-transcribe/feed/14Xbox Fitness and Kinect One domains registered by Microsofthttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/xbox-fitness-and-kinect-one-domains-registered-by-microsoft/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/xbox-fitness-and-kinect-one-domains-registered-by-microsoft/#commentsThu, 23 May 2013 00:17:08 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369792Microsoft has registered domain names for the new Kinect hardware, which will come bundled with the console, called Kinect One as well as what is likely to be a new Kinect-based fitness game for the new console, called Xbox Fitness.

Courtesy of Gematsu, the domain names registered are XboxFitness.info, XboxFitness.biz, Kinect1.org and KinectOne.info.

With Microsoft having announced 15 exclusive games for Xbox One in its first year, we can’t help but wonder if one of them will be Xbox Fitness. Perhaps E3 will tell.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/xbox-fitness-and-kinect-one-domains-registered-by-microsoft/feed/4Xbox One reveal creates anticipation and disappointment for indie devshttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/xbox-one-reveal-creates-anticipation-and-dissapointment-for-indie-devs/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/23/xbox-one-reveal-creates-anticipation-and-dissapointment-for-indie-devs/#commentsWed, 22 May 2013 23:51:34 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=369782With Sony and Nintendo both making visible efforts to promote and improve independent developer involvement and access to their consoles, the independent developer presence was clearly lacking in Microsoft’s Xbox One reveal. Several independent developers, as well as Ouya, offer their thoughts on the reveal.

GamesIndustry spoke to a number of indie developers to gauge their reaction to the reveal. While the general consensus was one of disappointment, few are optimistic and find solace in the power of the console and the amount of integration made possible. Overall, many are anticipating what has been held back for E3.

Andy Schatz of Pocketwatch Games (Monaco), points out the clear focus on set-top box capabilities, “It’s impossible for me to respond to the Xbox presentation from the perspective of a game developer: it wasn’t about games, it was about a set-top box. Any speculation about the technology would probably be unwise. That said, with all the focus on the marketplace and no attention paid to the structure or openness of the marketplace, it does seem like they are trying to compete on the same axes as Apple and Google rather than Steam. Again, purely speculation drawn from their apparent priorities, and I’m sure we’ll learn more at E3!”

“As an indie developer, there was nothing in this presentation that would lure me into making a game for this console. The PS4 is much more tempting and so is the Wii U. From where I’m standing, it looks like iOS, Android and Steam stay the most interesting platforms for independent games for at least one more console generation. OUYA needs to prove itself before I can comment on it, but hiring Kellee Santiago gives them a lot of indie credibility,” says Martin Pichlmair of Broken Rules (Chasing Aurora).

While some were pleased with the integration of living room uses, Massimo Guarini of Ovosonico believes it’s heading in the wrong direction for the industry. “Our industry cannot evolve if we get obsessively stuck with the living room domination mantra and the teenage hardware wars. Our medium evolution can happen only through new content, new subjects we deal with, human emotions we resonate with. As a result of the ongoing ubiquitous multi-tech, multi-tasking collective hysteria, what worries me the most is that Microsoft might genuinely believe in the way it positioned the Xbox One.”

“Nobody sane should want, let alone need, to play a game while watching a movie, while chatting on Skype, all while waving his hands. Where is the content? I mean, besides the dog?”

“Design-wise, at least we’re lucky today’s kids don’t even know what a VHS player is.”